Category: Orthopedics
Keywords: Distal radius fracture, wrist, splint (PubMed Search)
Posted: 2/27/2021 by Brian Corwell, MD
(Updated: 4/23/2024)
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Home management versus PCP follow-up of patients with distal radius buckle (torus) fractures
A recent study investigated outcomes of patients with distal radius buckle fractures who were randomized to
Versus
Noninferior study
Torus/buckle fractures of the distal radius are the most common fractures in childhood occurring on average in 1 in 25 children
This is a stable fracture typically treated with removable wrist splint and very rarely require orthopedic intervention
Outcome: functional recovery at 3 weeks
Randomized controlled trial at a tertiary care children’s hospital
All radiographs reviewed by pediatric radiologist with MSK specialization
149 patients. Mean age 9.5 years. 54.4% male
Telephone follow-up at 3 and 6 weeks following ED discharge by blinded interviewer
Primary outcome was comparison of Activities Scale for Kids-performance scores between groups at 3 weeks
Outcomes: Home management performance score was 95.4% and PCP follow-up group was 95.9%. Mean cost savings were $100.10.
Conclusion: Home management is at least as good as PCP follow-up with respect to functional recovery in ED patients with distal radius buckle fractures.
Colaco et al. Home management versus primary care physician follow-up of patients with distal radius buckle fractures: A randomized controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2021
